text:
Islands of the North Sea
Cruises /
Northern Europe /
Back to back offer
Cruise Northern Europe
Departure Port : Copenhagen
Arrival Port : Reykjavík
Ship : LE BELLOT
Ref : E020620
Discover the North Sea and its islands thanks to this new itinerary designed by PONANT, a journey to the lands of legends.
From Denmark, your 11-day cruise aboard Le Bellot—one of the latest additions to our fleet -will take you to Iceland, via Norway, Scotland, the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, as well as the Hebrides.
You will visit Stavanger, a cosmopolitan and prosperous small town with a perfectly balanced blend of old and new. During your stopover, walk the paved streets and admire the wonderfully preserved fishermen's houses that date from the 18th century.
You will then reach the Shetland Islands and the port of Lerwick. This port is well known because just a few kilometres inland lie the remarkable ruins of Scalloway Castle, built in 1600. Then it will be Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland, home to sea birds, gannets, shags, grey petrels and many other animals.
You will also discover Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westmann Islands. Fishing is the main source of income in this exceptional site. You can admire its volcanoes and its almost-desert like landscapes.
Finally, Le Bellot will take you to Reykjavik is the most northerly capital in the world, lying slightly above the 64th parallel. Houses with colourful roofs line its streets and this, coupled with the many ducks in its lake, produces a picture postcard setting. It boasts real cultural riches, particularly in contemporary art, notably with the Reykjavik Art Museum.
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Special offer(s) :
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
CONSECUTIVE CRUISES
Take advantage of our special consecutive cruises offers*
-When this cruise is in 2nd position get a -20% discount
-When this cruise is in 3rd position get a -30% discount
- When this cruise is in 4th position get a -40% discount
*Reduction does not apply to the first cruise and relates to the port/port fare excluding port taxes, non available for Ocean Voyages and subject to availability. The offer is only available on selected cruises. Please, contact us.
* $AUD800 flight credit per person on select cruises. This offer is subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn without prior notice. It cannot be backdated.
A cruise from Denmark to Iceland, visiting several archipelagos in the North Sea: the Shetland Islands, the Hebrides, the Orkneys.
On your embarkation, there will be the possibility to visit Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.
Sailing in the Lysefjord, meaning the "fjord of light", flanked by granite cliffs that are several hundred metres high.
Heimaey Island provides a possibility to observe the colonies of puffins, the real treasure of this island off the Icelandic coast.
Portree, the main town of the Isle of Skye, with its lively port and its cultural centre.
Port of call & excursions
Guest(s) Lecturer(s)
Pre/Post & Overlands
Deluxe Stateroom
AU$21,740
Prestige Deck 4
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Owner's Suite
Choose your fare basis* :
Single Double
Capacity : up to 2 guests per stateroom
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Desk with stationery
Ipod(TM) players
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi
1 stateroom for people with reduced mobility.
Reference rate, per person based on single occupancy.
Book now and get the guaranteed best price. 25%off the public rates, per person, based on single occupancy.
This price is the best price you can obtain on the day you make your reservation.
4m² private balcony
2 staterooms of 27.5 m² with a private balcony of 6 m² for people with reduced mobility.
Internet acces wifi.
1 tall sofa
Internet access wifi.
1 tall sofa Shower
Internet access wifi
Butler service.
40m² private balcony
30m2 private balcony
King-size bed
or twin beds
Shower & Bathtub + Jacuzzi on terrace
1 private transfer (round trip): Airport - Hotel - Port
1 free hour of Spa treatments
Reference rate, per person based on double occupancy.
Book now and get the guaranteed best price. 25%off the public rates, per person, based on double occupancy.
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
As the fifth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line's hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
Embarkation 02/06/2020 from 16H00 to 17H00 . Departure 02/06/2020 at 18H00 .
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorebrod, a traditional dish composed of several kinds of smoked fish.
3 June 2020 – Skagen
Arrival 03/06/2020 early morning. Departure 03/06/2020 midday.
Located on the Jutland peninsula at the tip of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea come together, the charming seaside resort of Skagen will enchant you with its immense white sandy beaches and its magnificent dune landscapes. The site is renowned for its extraordinary light and, at the end of the 19th century, was home to many Scandinavian artists, known as the Skagen Painters. Many of their works are exhibited in the town's museum today. These paintings, realist representations of the area's stunning natural setting, also provide an opportunity to discover how the inhabitants of this small fishing port lived in the last century.
See available excursions
4 June 2020 – Stavanger
At the far end of the country, stands the harbour town of Stavanger, with its warm, friendly atmosphere. A friendliness you'll notice in the little old town cobbled streets, which has some 170 old wooden houses, as well as in its modern city centre, always bustling.
4 June 2020 – Sailing in Lysefjorden
Arrival 04/06/2020 late afternoon. Departure 04/06/2020 late afternoon.
You will sail into the heart of one of Norway's most breathtaking fjords, its marvellous décor dominated by pristine nature, between vertiginous granite cliffs, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant vegetation. Very close to Stavanger, the quiet waters of Lysefjorden stretch out over around forty kilometres, beneath impressive rocks. Admire the world-famous site of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a majestic cliff in the shape of a pulpit that rises to more than 600 metres above the waters. A bit further on, Flørli, from the top of its 4,444 steps, is the world's longest wooden stairway, whereas the Kjerag, with its mythical boulder wedged between two rock faces, provides an unusual and unforgettable spectacle.
5 June 2020 – Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Arrival 05/06/2020 early afternoon. Departure 05/06/2020 evening.
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands' occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands' history of heritage and culture: Lerwick's abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.
6 June 2020 – Kirkwall, Scotland
Arrival 06/06/2020 early morning. Departure 06/06/2020 early evening.
Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means "church bay", is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland's identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.
7 June 2020 – Portree, Isle of Skye
Arrival 07/06/2020 late morning. Departure 07/06/2020 evening.
Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town's outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen's shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.
8 June 2020 – Stornoway, Hebrides
Arrival 08/06/2020 early morning. Departure 08/06/2020 late afternoon.
Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island's main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland's most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.
9 June 2020 – At sea
Arrival 09/06/2020. Departure 09/06/2020.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
10 June 2020 – Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
Arrival 10/06/2020 midday. Departure 10/06/2020 evening.
This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.
11 June 2020 – Reykjavík
Arrival 11/06/2020 early morning. Departure 11/06/2020.
Iceland's capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the "Pearl of Reykjavík", a museum located on 'Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Disembarkation 12/06/2020 at 08H00 .
See all excursions
The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, PONANT will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.
Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot's licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.
Christine Clerc
Following her academic studies at the French Institute of Political Science and the Louvre Institute, Christine Clerc became a journalist for l'Express under the helm of Françoise Giroud (1971). She continued her career as a senior reporter and columnist for the weekly newspaper Le Point. She then worked as a regular columnist for various national publications such as Le Figaro, Figaro Magazine, Valeurs Actuelles, Marianne — as well as for the regional press (Télégramme de Brest and Midi Libre).
She also produced special portraits of great artists (such as Yves Saint Laurent, Paul Delvaux, Charlotte Perriand, Lorin Maazel) for Elle magazine, the Reader's Digest and Connaissance des Arts.
Christine has been also a radio commentator for RMC and RTL and a member of Europe1's Press Club. She was the first woman awarded the prestigious Prix Albert Londres (the French equivalent of the Pulitzer prize), with her first novel Le Bonheur d'être Français (1982) — an account of interviews throughout the country, meeting the famous and the anonymous to capture the essence of being French.
Christine also published around 20 other novels: La Guerre de Mitterrand; Journal intime de Jacques Chirac; Les de Gaulle, une famille française; Tigres et Tigresses - Histoire intime des couples présidentiels sous la Ve République; De Gaulle-Malraux, une histoire d'amour; Les Conquérantes; « Tout est fichu ! » Les coups de blues du Général and in 2016 Victor Hugo amoureux. She contributed to various TV documentaries.
She was bestowed as a Chevalier des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) and Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of of Honour). She is the president of the "Prix d'Aujourd'hui" award, which nominates the best historical or philosophic publication of the year.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Free copyright
Possibility of withdrawal in case of force majeure.
During your cruise
11/06/2020 – Glacier Adventure
500.00 AU$ **
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
This super four-wheel drive tour starts with a visit to Iceland's first National Park Thingvellir, where the oldest still existing parliament in the world was founded and assembled through centuries in a grandiose landscape. Thingvellir is also very important from a geological point of view.
The route ascends to an elevation of 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level over Kaldidalur, a valley-like, rocky and barren defile between the snow-capped Ok (1,198 m – 3,930 ft) and Langjokull Glacier (1,355 m - 4,445 ft). This spectacular glacier is a continuous, solid shield of ice, in places up to 900 metres (2,950 ft) in thickness and about 1,000 square kilometres (386 sq. miles) in area, the country's second biggest field of ice.
Continuing on, in heated snow four-wheel drive vehicle with covered bodyworks, into the icy world of the glacier. On board our vehicle, we will drive on the glacier as it is suited for travelling around the wonder-world of ice. After returning from this marvellous adventure we have our light lunch break (buffet).
The route continues into the Borgarfjordur district, visiting the extraordinarily beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where water emerges in many small falls from beneath a lava field. Drive past Reykholt where the 13th century historian and Prose Edda writer, Snorri Sturluson, lived. Next, we stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's mightiest hot spring with high-spouting spurts of boiling water. Continuing over mountain ridges and through pretty lake dotted valleys towards one of the longest fjords of the country, the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord and driving along the shores back to Reykjavik.
We recommend you wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions.
11/06/2020 – Inside the Volcano
This overland must be pre-booked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
Thrihnukagigur volcano is dormant – it last erupted over 4,000 years ago. There are no indications of it erupting again in the near future. The volcano name, mostly unpronounceable for anyone other than locals, would be directly translated as "Three Peaks Crater". The beauty of the crater mostly consists in the various colouration found inside it and its enormous – and to some extent intimidating – size. To put it in context, the ground space is equivalent to almost three full-sized basketball courts planted next to each other and the height is such that it would easily fit full sized Statue of Liberty into the chamber.
Thrihnukagigur volcano lies in the Blafjoll mountains, just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. Once you reach the Blafjoll Mountains' cabin, you will leave your transportation behind and begin an easy and very scenic hike through the lava fields to reach the opening of the crater (approx. 40 minutes). At the base camp, you will be divided into smaller groups of 4–5 people. This is the maximum number allowed on the open elevator that will lift you inside the magma chamber of the dormant volcano. The descent is approx. 120 metres (400 ft) long and takes approx 7–8 minutes each way. Once at the base, you will spend approximately 30 minutes on the ground in the magma chamber.
You can wait for your turn while enjoying a tasty bowl of traditional Icelandic meat soup, as well as hot coffee, tea or chocolate, offered free of charge at the nearby base camp close to the crater opening.
After this incredible experience, you will hike back to your transportation and return to the pier and your ship.
All safety gear and equipment necessary for the descent are included. All equipment and processes have been tested extensively and approved by the administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland. Before accessing the open elevator, you must wear a helmet and the required harness, which will be provided on the spot. Several guides, all highly trained and experienced mountain guides and cave explorers, will be with you at all times. We recommend you wear good hiking shoes and warm outdoor clothing. Temperature inside the crater is about 5 to 6 °C. Children must be at least 12 years old to participate and be accompanied by a parent. This overland is limited to 18 participants. it will be conducted in English only and isn't exclusive to PONANT passengers.
Before your cruise
31/05/2020 – COPENHAGEN, CITY OF ART AND HISTORY (2 NIGHTS)
1520.00 AU$ **
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Facing the open sea, the capital may have caught the design fever and become cosmopolitan, but it has not forgotten its past as a modest herring fishing port. Take a jaunt through the Danish capital's history, from the castles of North Zealand to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Day 1 - Copenhagen
Check-in in your room at Phoenix Hotel in the city centre of the capital. Official check-in time is 3.00 pm.
The end of the day is at leisure.
Meet your fellow travellers for dinner served at the hotel.
You will depart the hotel in the morning and leave Copenhagen to drive through the Danish country side towards the town of Hilleroed to pay a visit to the most charming fairytale castle, Frederiksborg Castle, considered by many to be the finest example of Danish renaissance architecture.
After Frederiksborg Castle continue to the village of Fredensborg for a lunch at the Royal Inn, Fredensborg Store Kro. While in Fredensborg you can also take the opportunity to step outside the restaurant and enjoy the view of the residence of the Crown Prince family ; Fredensborg Palace.
Visit to Kronborg Castle situated on the Oresund, an arrow strip of water that separates Denmark and Sweden, you will enjoy beautiful views from the castle ramparts. This castle is richly ornamented and dating from the 16 thto 18th century and well known from Shakespeare's setting of Hamlet at Kronborg Castle. After your visit there, return to Copenhagen by way of the scenic Coastal Road along Oresund.
The end of the afternoon is at leisure,
You will have dinner in the lively district of Nyhavn.
After check-out, you will leave the hotel to take the road to the North and arrive at the Museum of modern art for a guided tour Louisiana. Founded in 1958, Louisiana has evolved into one of the premier museums of modern art in the world.
The museum is located in a spacious, old park with a fine view across the sound to Sweden. The name of the museum derives from the first owner of the property, Alexander Bruun, who named its villa after his three wives, each with the name of Louise. The museum was created in 1958 by Knud W. Jensen, who commissioned architects Wilhelm Wohlert and Jørgen Bo to spend a few months walking around the property to decide how a new construction would best fit into the landscape. This study resulted in the first version of the museum consisting of three buildings connected by glass corridors. Since then it has been extended several times until it reached its present circular shape in 1991.
Like MoMA in New York, the museum features a broad range of artistic genres, including architecture, design, photography and film. Explore the exhibits and the open-air sculpture garden.
After a lunch served in a local restaurant, you will be transferred to the port to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen is an old building with an inspiring history and charm. All rooms have been renovated in the beginning of 2017. The elegant style the hotel is known for has been preserved, but at the same time the rooms have been given a more modern look. Focus has been on luxury with elegant materials in bright and pleasant colours.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
2 nights'accommodation in Superior room at Phoenix Hotel 4* (or similar), breakfast included.
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
Beverages package during lunches and dinners (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Tips for the driver and local guide.
Your programme does not include:
Transfer from airport to hotel on day 1.
Personal expenses.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.
Early check-in is available depending on availability and at a supplement.
An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability.
Please, contact your travel agent for further detail.
Contact of your hotel:
Phoenix Hotel
Bredgade 37,
1260 København,
Telephone number : +45 33 95 95 00
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
** Prices per person, based on double occupancy
Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.
Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.
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While some Kelowna councillors were happy Monday with a transit update affecting students, others were concerned about the state of the depot to house a growing number of buses.
According to a report presented to council Monday, the most pressing issue for transit is service reliability and passenger growth on the route No. 8 University route, the highest performing route in the region.
Coun. Luke Stack and Coun. Gail Given were happy to see the increase in hours to the No. 8 route, but there was also concern voiced about the transit yard.
"Is there any thought about where we're going with that in the future?" Given asked.
Plans for a new facility will be up and running in the next five years, said Jerry Dombowsky, transit and programs manager with the city. Funding was also given to the old facility to ensure it will hold the city until a new project is available.
Coun. Ryan Donn asked about electric buses as an option for Kelowna in the next few years, citing an experiment in Victoria with electric buses.
With the planning of the new operations centre, staff said they will examine the possibilities.
"There's no doubt that's the future, at least from BC Transit's executive and board level," Dombowsky said.


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Ford F-150 Production Hit by Chip Shortage
Ford Motor Co. is the latest to be hit by the ongoing chip shortage. The chip shortage has been upending the industry for weeks, and its effects could drag into the 3rd quarter, according to IHS Markit. Ford will be forced to curtail its output of its bestselling and most profitable vehicle, the F-150 beginning next week. The timing is problematic for Ford as it ramps up production and deliveries of the redesigned F-150, which went on sale late last year.
Ford told Automotive News on Thursday that "its Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan will drop to one shift from three the week of Feb. 8th, while the truck side of a Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri will drop to two shifts from three." According to a Ford spokeswoman, Kelli Felker, both facilities are expected to ramp back up to three shifts the following week.
GM to Cut Production at Four Plants
Subaru Outback Cutoff

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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As the account owner, you control the account, not the child or his or her parents. So you decide where and when the money can be used.
If the original beneficiary doesn't go to college, you can transfer the account to the child's sibling or another eligible family member, without paying a penalty. You can even make yourself the beneficiary if you're one of those eligible family members.
You won't be charged any extra fees for not being a New Yorker. No matter where you live, you can enjoy the same low costs as every other saver.
**Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. Tax and other benefits are contingent on meeting other requirements and certain withdrawals are subject to federal, state, and local taxes.


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Curative Violence: Rehabilitating Disability, Gender, and Sexuality in Modern Korea (Paperback)
By Eunjung Kim
In Curative Violence Eunjung Kim examines what the social and material investment in curing illnesses and disabilities tells us about the relationship between disability and Korean nationalism. Kim uses the concept of curative violence to question the representation of cure as a universal good and to understand how nonmedical and medical cures come with violent effects that are not only symbolic but also physical. Writing disability theory in a transnational context, Kim tracks the shifts from the 1930s to the present in the ways that disabled bodies and narratives of cure have been represented in Korean folktales, novels, visual culture, media accounts, policies, and activism. Whether analyzing eugenics, the management of Hansen's disease, discourses on disabled people's sexuality, violence against disabled women, or rethinking the use of disabled people as a metaphor for life under Japanese colonial rule or under the U.S. military occupation, Kim shows how the possibility of life with disability that is free from violence depends on the creation of a space and time where cure is seen as a negotiation rather than a necessity.
Eunjung Kim is Assistant Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Disability Studies at Syracuse University.
Publisher: Duke University Press
Hardcover (January 20th, 2017): $131.19


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In Another Divestment Victory, Syracuse University Goes Fossil Free
Announcement declares: 'Syracuse will not directly invest in publicly traded companies whose primary business is extraction of fossil fuels.'
Deirdre Fulton, staff writer
The student group Divest SU launched in 2012 following an on-campus lecture by environmentalist Bill McKibben. (Photo: Divest SU and ESF/Facebook)
Joining a rapidly expanding international network of institutions seeking to de-fund the industries driving global warming, Syracuse University on Tuesday announced it would divest its $1.8 billion endowment from coal mining and fossil fuel companies.
In a press release, the private research university based in central New York explained: "This commitment means that Syracuse will not directly invest in publicly traded companies whose primary business is extraction of fossil fuels. The university will also direct its external investment managers to take every step possible to prohibit investments in these public companies as well."
In addition, the university said it would "continue to seek additional investments through its endowment in companies that are developing new technology related to solar energy, biofuels, and advanced recycling."
Chancellor Kent Syverud added: "Syracuse has a long record of supporting responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship, and we want to continue that record. Formalizing our commitment to not invest directly in fossil fuels is one more way we do that."
The announcement comes on the heels of a meeting in late February between university officials and Divest SU, a student group formed in 2012 after author and environmentalist Bill McKibben—whose organization, 350.org, is spearheading the global divestment push—gave a lecture on campus.
In response to Tuesday's news, the group posted on Facebook: "This is a big step forward, but we will not rest until SU does not have a single cent invested in these companies."
Earlier this year, the University of Maine became the first public land grant institution—and first university system—in the U.S. to divest its fossil fuel holdings. Students and faculty members at other institutions, including Harvard and Stanford universities, are also pushing for divestment.
'Talk About a Super Spreader': Analysis Finds Online Election Misinformation Fell by 73% After Trump Barred
Trump's Social Media Ban May Be Justified, But That Doesn't Mean Power of Big Tech Isn't Dangerous
Indigenous-Led Movement Credited With 'Huge Victory' as Biden Plans to Rescind Keystone XL Permit on Day One
Biden's Inauguration Gives Us New Hope, but the Movement for Justice Must Continue to Build on Its Own Agenda
Solutions, U.S.
Divestment, Fossil Fuels, Education, People Power, 350.org, New York, Facebook


March 9th, 2012 1:56 PM by Lehel S.
Parking at the Los Angeles convention will be in the West Hall Parking Garage. You will be provided with a voucher at the event to validate your parking when you enter the lot.
At this workshop you'll find out about programs that may help you keep your home. You'll personally meet with a representative who will confidentially discuss your financial concerns and options. Plus, see if you're eligible for a loan modification under the government's Home Affordable Modification Program.


text:
ComicsSpider-Man
Secret Warrior: SpiderMan
By: Nomad88
Peter Parker is Nick Fury's Top Secret Super Spy. A story that spans across the Marvel Universe. Read and Review
Rated: Fiction T - English - Adventure - Peter P./Spider-Man - Chapters: 19 - Words: 227,073 - Reviews: 287 - Favs: 322 - Follows: 281 - Updated: 4/3/2015 - Published: 6/7/2011 - id: 7061832
1. The End or The Beginning2. I want to be a Spy3. The Girl From Ipanema4. Down the Rabbit Hole We Go5. The Lion's Den6. The Lion's Den part 27. Sand Castles8. Sand Castles Part 29. Chinatown Throwdown10. The Underground City11. Madripoor Madness12. Hard Luck13. Hard Luck part 214. Three Spies and A Dragon15. The First Kill is Always the Hardest16. The First Kill is Always the Harderst p217. Girl's Night Out18. Day of the Rhino19. The Island of Doctor Octopus
Disclaimer: All right everyone you all know the saying. I DO NOT OWN these characters. All Credit goes to Marvel, Stan 'The Man' Lee and Disney. I am making no money off of this story.
Hey readers it's me Nomad88 back again with another chapter in the espionage world of Secret Warrior Spider-Man. I hope everyone enjoyed the last chapter as we covered one of Spidey's revamped but familiar villains the Rhino. This chapter kinda does the same thing with the official intro of Doctor Octopus. I'm gonna stop talking but before I go I would just like to say please continue to READ, REVIEW (A writer's main source of motivation) and of course ENJOY!
Chapter 19: The Island of Doctor Octopus
Los Angeles- Safe House- One Week Later
Clint Barton slowly pulled back on the arrow that was strung up in his bow. He tensed his shoulders, calmed his breathing and focused on the target that was several yards away from him. He waited for the breeze pass by before he let the arrow loose.
THUNK!
"MOTHERF******!" he shouted in anger.
The master archer saw that his arrow had missed the center target by inches. He never missed…usually. He growled to himself and pulled another arrow from his quiver and let it loose.
THUNK! Came the sound of it hitting dead center.
"Finally!"
Inside the Safe House
Clint stormed into the house and tossed his gear on the table where it slid over and knocked Peter's bowl of cereal off the table. Peter looked at the mess on the floor and then back to Clint.
"What the hell man, I was eating that. And look…are you trying to bring ants in here, because that's how you get'em." He said.
"Shut up." Clint grumbled as he opened the refrigerator and grabbed the only thing on the racks and that was a yogurt.
"What's got you so bunched up?" Peter asked while cleaning up the mess, "Besides knowing that this place will be filled with ants soon." He added under his breath.
"This Goblin case is really starting to piss me off and throw me off my game. So far I've been beat up by Sandmen, chased by giant spiders, mole men, and I was almost eaten by an Alien dragon and let's not forget that I was almost blown up by a freaking F-22 fighter jet."
"And let's not forget that in about two days time you'll be eaten by ants."
"WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THE GODDAMN ANTS!" Clint snapped "I'm being serious here."
"Relax." Peter replied calmly "We're gonna get this Goblin guy I know it."
"And how do you know that?"
"Because we have a lead." Peter responded.
Clint scrunched his face in confusion which only made the young spy release a heavy sigh and shake his head.
"Don't you remember what I said before we went after the Goblin's point man in Las Vegas?"
"Of course you don't. I forgot that when I talk sometimes you don't listen."
"Only when you're not saying something that interest me, but I'm very interested right now. I need some payback, some good ol' fashioned payback."
Peter rolled his eyes as he tossed his cereal bowl in the sink.
"Before I…killed Mach-V he told me that the Goblin and the head of OGO industries shuffled data back and forth for about a year and some change. So now all we have to do is pay Dr. Otto Octavious, the head of OGO industries a visit and see what he knows about the Goblin."
"Octavious...…I know that guy, isn't he the millionaire or billionaire who owns his own island off the coast of Sicily."
"One in the same." Peter replied, "The man is an absolute genius in just about every field of science but arguably his best field is physics. I've been reading some of his recent work on my spare time or the spare time I used to have and right now he's been re-working his theory of energy and robotics to…" Peter started then stopped when he saw Clint turning away from him and scratching his chin, "Are you listening to me?"
"No." Clint responded "I've heard all I needed to hear."
"Glad I could be of some help." Peter said in a dead panned tone.
"Alright then, let's saddle up and go get this guy."
"Not so fast." Came a voice.
Peter and Clint looked to see Natasha standing at the kitchen threshold dressed in her gear. She walked over to them and tossed the file in her hands on the table.
"We have a problem." She said.
"When don't we have a problem?" Clint grumbled as he grabbed the dossier and began to flip through a few of the pages. He stopped at a set of pages and he flipped through them and then grunted, "Well this is a pain in the ass."
"What is it?" Peter asked.
"Octavious is a billionaire and one of his main sources of cash flow is Oil." Natasha stated.
"And oil always brings problems." Clint said while tossing the dossier back on the table.
Natasha sat down at the table, while Peter reached for the file and began to read it for himself. He quickly scanned over each page and what he read blew him away.
"Holy crap, I didn't know that Dr. Octavious was the second largest oil supplier in the world."
"Second only to Anastasia Hardy and the Hardy Foundation." Natasha replied.
"It also says here that he is in bed with a lot of people…namely the US and…wait a minute. It also says that he is in bed with a lot of special interest groups whose relationships with the US are practically non-existent. How is this possible, one man playing both sides of the fence with something like this?"
"It happens when the number one oil supplier is a very shrewd business woman who doesn't have much love for the states." Natasha answered, "Anastasia Hardy supplies Europe with most of its oil, but when the US and other countries reached out to her she gave them a price that wasn't practical and so they went elsewhere."
"Octavious." Peter stated.
"Yes, but it seems that Dr. Octavious made a lot of promises to a lot of different people. Since there's enough oil to go around he has promised to supply everyone with their own private oil reserve for a hefty but affordable price."
"He controls the oil and he controls the price for it." Clint interrupted.
"And no one has tried to take him out?" Peter questioned "I'm shocked."
"It would be catastrophic not only for the global market but for everyone in general. Octavious has set himself up nicely. If anyone did try to take him out then there would be a mad grab for the oil lines that he controls and not just by the super-powers but other countries looking to set the price…some of which are enemies of the US. It would be the beginning of another war and that's something no one wants…especially nowadays where men like the Hulk and Thor exist. The solution that everyone seems to like and has worked for the past couple of years is to just pay him and keep him happy. Alive and happy."
"How is he doing this?" Peter asked, "I'm sure someone would've noticed that one man is trying to control Oil distribution."
"Shield has found out that he's did this through various shell companies and other back door investments, like you said….the man is a genius. He's set up a couple of figure heads in various companies but they have no actual power. He controls everything."
"Oh my God, this is a huge scandal waiting to happen." Peter responded "If this ever got out to the public that our country is doing business with a man that is bed with our enemies and has been for…"
"That's why it can never get out." Natasha interrupted "Which puts us in a bind because we can not just make him up and disappear or hurt him too much."
"Damn." Clint whispered under his breath.
"So what do we do?" Peter asked, "How do we sway him to our side?"
Clint stood up from the table.
"We do a good old fashion bribe." He said as he stretched his aching muscles.
"The man is a billionaire Clint, what could we possibly have that he would want?" Peter asked.
"I guess we'll just have to ask him." Clint replied with a smile, "Now gear up."
Flashback- Six Months Ago- Algeria- 2:15 am
A man and woman ran through the jungle as fast as their legs could carry them and even though they were tired and full of panic they continued to run.
(RUN!) Came the Arabic shout of a young dark skinned man with short black hair an average build. He was wearing a green and beige camouflage outfit and in his hand was a semi-automatic weapon. The young man stopped and turned around and looked back towards the thick humid jungle behind him, raised his weapon and fired wildly at the voices shouting behind him.
He continued to fire until his weapon went empty.
(Sh**!) He yelled until a slim hand touched him on his shoulder.
He turned to his left and to the beautiful blonde woman next him; she handed him another clip.
(Last one, so make it count.) She said before raising her own semi-automatic weapon and firing into the jungle.
He quickly stuck the new clip into his weapon and fired as well.
(We have to keep moving. The boat is not that far away!) He shouted.
(What about the others?) She asked.
(We can't worry about them now; I'm only worried about you. Now come on.)
He stopped his firing and grabbed her by the arm and pulled her along, continuing their trek through the thick jungle and towards the awaiting shore where a boat would be waiting.
The two of them emerged from the jungle and ran across the sand towards a rickety looking motor boat. The engine was already started and they could see one of their friends a light brown skinned woman by the name of Yasmine. She had long hair, brown eyes and a slim build that was covered in the same green and beige camouflage outfit. She stood up in the boat and waved to the approaching duo.
(HURRY!) She screamed in their native Arabic tongue.
They ran towards the boat and got inside, but just as they sat down a single shot rang out in the night; the blonde recoiled in shock as warm blood splashed across her face.
THUD! Came the sound of a body hitting the boat interior.
(KWASI!) Yasmine shouted, seeing the dead body of her brother in front of her. She reached for his weapon and began to fire at the mercenaries on the beach. They ducked for cover.
Yasmine gripped the mast and the rickety motor boat sped across the water and away from the shore and the mercenaries that were starting to return fire.
The blonde haired woman scooped Kwasi into her arms and she looked towards the beach where she could make out the face of a tall woman who was standing at the edge of the shore, shouting obscenities at them.
Yasmine continued to fire until they were well out of range. She whipped towards her blonde companion with an angry look upon her face.
(I told him and you that this was too dangerous!) She shouted (We weren't ready, we needed more time but you had to talk him into it!)
The blonde haired woman looked up at the visibly angry Yasmine.
(I hope you saw enough Ms. Stacy. I hope you saw all you needed, because his death is on you!)
Gwen Stacy shot up from her bed breathing heavily from the intense memory. She frantically looked around searching for any signs of the mercenaries that had been chasing her, any signs of the jungles of Algeria but all she saw was a modest looking hotel room. She settled down when she didn't see any danger and she put a hand to her thumping heart.
She swung her legs over the edge of her bed and she ran a hand through her sweaty blonde hair. She remembered that day as clear as crystal. She remembered what the weather felt like, she remembered how her lungs burned as she ran away from the mercenaries that wanted her dead, she remembered the sand crunching beneath her feet and the sound of the motor boat and she remembered the feeling of Kwasi's warm blood splashed across her face.
Gwen stood up from her bed and she went to the sink her bathroom. She turned on the water and splashed some of the water off of her face; for a split second she saw blood on her hands and she recoiled but when she looked into the mirror she didn't see any blood only her blue eyes staring back at her.
"Get a grip Gwen." She whispered to herself "It will all be over soon."
RING! RING! RING!
Gwen went back into her room and she walked towards the small desk that had her computer and cell phone. She grabbed the phone and answered it but upon hearing the voice on the other end she immediately regretted it.
"STACY WHERE THE F*** ARE YOU!? AND WHERE IS MY STORY OF THE CENTURY!?" roared her employer, the editor and chief of the Daily Bugle J. Jonah Jameson.
"Hey JJ. I'm in the midst of getting it together." She replied tiredly.
"BULL! YOU SAID THAT SIX MONTHS AGO! I'VE GIVEN YOU SO MUCH LEEWAY BUT MY PATIENCE IS RUNNING THIN! YOU'RE WASTING MY TIME AND MONEY! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I HAVE RIDING ON YOU! YOU'RE THE BUGLES FIRST FOREIGN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST FOR OUR NEW MAGAZINE! AND DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GUNNING FOR YOUR JOB! AND THOSE PEOPLE ARE WAY MORE QUALIFIED THAN YOU! GOD! IF YOUR FATHER DIDN'T SAVE MY LIFE IN THE WAR I WOULD'VE….."
"I understand what you have riding on this JJ and I'm doing my best and I thank you for the opportunity. The story that I've stumbled upon is a game changer. I've already got so much info but it's not right yet. I just need a little more time to get it together."
"How much more time!"
Gwen opened her mouth to respond when a text screen popped up on her computer. She peered at the text and saw that the words: are you there Ms. Stacy, posted.
"Give me another seventy two hours." She said before hanging up on him.
She scooted to her computer.
"Who is this?" she whispered to herself as she typed the response; she waited for a second and a familiar name popped up on the screen. Gwen gasped as she saw the name.
"Yasmine?"
Up Above
Peter peered out the window of the airplane and at the populated city on the Island below. Dr. Octavious bought the Island about seven years ago and three years after that he renamed the mass of land to Otto Island.
'Pretentious Jackass' Peter thought to himself as he said the name of the Island over in his mind again.
The young spy turned away from the city and to his companions who were sitting next to him. The plan was to infiltrate a gala that was being held later that night in the large and expensive resort that Dr. Octavious resided within. He and Natasha were the point men meaning they were going to be visible at the gala while Clint snuck into the resort and took out any guards that may be in Otto's room or around his suite.
Natasha and Peter were to make contact and she would lead him back to his room while Peter followed behind and took out any nosey guards or if need be create a distraction.
The plan was sound but what Peter didn't like was that were going to offer someone that wasn't exclusively an ally yet not exactly an enemy anything he wanted. He knew that they did stuff like this all the time but for some reason, offering anything to Dr. Octavious did not sit well with him at all.
He saw a picture of him in the dossier and there was just something he didn't like about the man.
'Probably his smug smile. He knows he's basically untouchable…not unless anyone wanted to start a war.'
He felt the plane began to descend and it snapped him from his thoughts.
BEEP! "THIS IS THE CAPTAIN SPEAKING, WE ARE NOW BEGINNING OUR DESCENT INTO OTTO ISLAND."
Elsewhere- Otto Island Harbor- Sunset
The woman, known as Yasmine stare through her binoculars at the large and grandiose resort where her enemy and the enemy of her people lived. She lowered the binoculars and she looked towards the twelve rebels that were standing behind her. The rebels had subdued the harbor guards.
(We must hurry. We don't have much time.)
Later- Nightfall- 9:45pm
A tinted white Ferrari pulled up in front of the massive and beautiful Hotel and Resort that was only reserved for who's who's of high class society. The front side walk had a red carpet laid out and it was lined with men and woman who were dressed to impress; each of them decked out with their silver watches, diamonds ear-rings and bracelets that sparkled even when there wasn't any light shining. They were all laughing and talking amongst themselves, sipping on wine until they all caught a glance at the Ferrari.
The valet opened the passenger door first by sliding upwards and from the sports vehicle out stepped Natasha Rominova. She was dressed in a form fitting backless red dress that showed off her curves; her fiery red hair was curled up at the top of her head with a few strands falling down the side of her face. She had on red lipstick with minimal make up on her face. She had on white gloves with her silver wrist gauntlets around her wrist and red heels.
All the men stood there staring at her, wanting her and all the women felt a hand of jealousy creep up their spine, that was until the young and handsome Peter Parker stepped around the car and to the red carpet.
Peter was wearing a black suit, a crisp white shirt, a bow tie and his web-shooters that had been refitted to look like stylish wrist bands; he had a cocky grin on his face and his chestnut brown hair was combed back showing off a few waves. He adjusted the gold cufflinks and he nodded his head to a woman that winked at him. All the other women paid close attention to the young spy and the confidence he oozed.
Peter held out one of his arms and Natasha looped her arm into his and they both started down the red carpet and into the Hotel and Resort.
Ballroom Interior
Peter and Natasha easily made it passed the mean and burly guard with a list of names to check off. The two of them entered the giant circular ballroom and were in slight awe of all the gold and decadence.
"It's amazing what a billion dollars can buy." Peter whispered as he looked up at the high hanging chandeliers. There were four different levels and each level had gold diamond plated banisters plus numerous people dressed in their best outfits and mingling with each other.
"Money makes the world go round Peter." Natasha whispered back, her trained eyes shifting through all of the foreign senators, dignitaries, waiters, waitress and models. She was trying to find her target and so far she hasn't spotted him, "He's not here yet."
"Yeah I don't see him either." Peter responded as he glanced towards the upper deck; he saw more high class people, including several generals but he didn't see their target, "What do we do?" he asked.
"We mingle." Natasha replied while breaking away from him and grabbing a champagne glass from a passing waitress.
Peter watched her go to the left and so he went to the right.
Underground- Sewers
Hawkeye sloshed through the foul and rank smelling water in the large sewer pipeline until he reached a metal ladder that went upwards.
"It's not fair." He grumbled to himself as he started up the ladder, "They get to rub elbows and drink champagne while I wade through sh**. I'm the best field agent so why am I always stuck in the sewer."
"You do know that we can hear you right." Came Peter's voice over the communications lines.
"Now I do." Hawkeye grumbled.
"Consider wading through….I really don't want to think about it, but consider this your punishment for bringing ants into the house." Said Peter.
Hawkeye stopped his ascent and closed his eyes tightly.
"I swear to God if you mention ants one more time."
"Peter...where are you I've found the target he's…."
"I see him too Nat."
Standing at his position on the second floor Peter saw Dr. Otto Octavious standing on the gold banister of the fourth deck of the ballroom. He was a plump looking man with a bowl style haircut that stood at about five six. He looked to be in his early forties and he was wearing a crisp button down white suit and black shoes.
Otto loudly cleared his throat before speaking.
"GOOD EVENING MY FRIENDZ!" he shouted. A thick German accent was present.
All eyes down below found their way to him.
From Otto's back four mechanical arms emerged. They slithered and snapped together a few times before lightly clamping down on the banister and lifting him up and then slowly lowering him down to the center of the ballroom. The crowd of people murmured with amazement.
"Velcome to my party. I trust I did not keep you all vaiting too long." He said while putting a charming smile on his chubby face, "Music! Music! Vhere is the music?"
Suddenly music began to play in the ballroom. Otto looked to his left and then his right and that's when he spotted one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen and that woman was Natasha.
He raised an eyebrow as he looked her up and down; before he even finished his thought his upper left tentacle stretched over to her and lightly wrapped around her waist. The tentacle dragged her over to him and gently placed her in his arms.
"Shall ve dance the dance my pet?" he asked.
Natasha put a smile on her face.
"Of course."
Peter finally reached the bottom floor and he stood to the side watching Natasha dance with Otto but while it was a true spectacle to see, he like everyone else was watching the four mechanical limbs that were protruding from his back.
He had read about Dr. Octavious once before; when he was being taught science and technology during his time at the Shield training camp. He remembered reading that Dr. Octavious had created those four mechanical arms as a way to safely experiment with a Cold Fusion project he had been working on. He also remembered reading that there was a terrible explosion and most of the scientist were killed however he survived but those four mechanical arms had been welded to his spinal column.
'Six arms and two legs…instead of naming this place Otto Island he should've named it Octopus Isle…he looks like one. Heh, or maybe he should've named himself Doctor Octopus. Nah, with a name like that a man might be a crazy super-villain or something, but he has turned tragedy into triumph…and then triumph into shady business deals.' Peter thought to himself as he watch Otto dip Natasha with his lower right tentacle and then bring her back up to his arms.
Peter shook his head.
"Show off." He whispered; his danger sense suddenly gave him a light nudge.
Peter looked to his left just as he saw a very attractive blonde woman wearing a very simple but elegant green dress briskly walking past him and towards the dance floor. She tripped over her own feet and was about to fall into the table full of food when he rushed forward and caught her in his arms.
"Whoa, where's the fire…Ms…" he asked, 'She smells wonderful' he thought as her perfume found its way to his nose.
She looked up at him and their eyes locked for a brief moment and he was completely stunned by her vibrant blue eyes.
"Ms…uh…"
"Thanks for the save." She replied after straightening herself up.
Peter was about to say something else however she had already turned around and continued towards the dance floor. He watched her take a moment to go to one of the buffet tables and grabbed a bowl full of hot red soup and continue towards the dance floor.
"Uh oh." Peter said.
Gwen Stacy tightly gripped the soup bowl and her twitched a little as waited for her moment.
'You deserve so much more than this you bastard.' She thought in her mind.
Otto and Natasha came close enough and that's when she stormed out onto the dance floor with the bowl of soup and she tossed all over him and Natasha.
"AHHHHHHH!" Otto screamed feeling the hot soup burning through and horrendously staining his white suit.
Natasha gritted her teeth as she felt the hot soup on her arm but what caught her attention was Otto's wildly swinging mechanical arms.
All of the guest in the ballroom gasped at the sight and if anyone wasn't paying attention they were paying complete attention now.
"YOU DARE!" Otto yelled as all four arms snapped their pinchers together before shooting towards Gwen ready to stab her through the heart however Peter dove in from the side and tackled her out of the way and to the ground making them miss.
Peter looked at Gwen.
"Are you alright?" he asked but his danger sense came to life again. He looked to see one of the tentacles coming for him but he backhanded out of the way, however as he did that though another tentacle slithered in and grabbed him by the foot and tossed and into wall.
Dr. Octavious looked away from Peter and to Gwen Stacy who stared at him unafraid.
"DR. OCTAVIOUS!" a voice shouted.
The voice shook him out of his rage and he quickly composed himself in front of his guest. He took several deep breathes and turned to his head of security.
A woman who stood a six three with green eyes and long blonde hair drawn back into a pony tail; she was wearing a form fitting black dress that showed off her powerful muscular frame. She had a white earpiece around her ear and she put one of her hands up to it.
"Interior units to me. We have two intruders." She said before walking towards Otto, "Dr. Octavious remember your guest." She said in a low voice.
Otto gritted his teeth a bit and he looked around the hall and at all of the eyes upon him.
"Thank you Ms. Brancale. I mean Angelina…I almost forgot where…" he started before Gwen interrupted him.
"MURDERER!" she shouted while pointing at Angelina, "BOTH OF YOU ARE MURDERES! YOU AND YOUR DAMN OIL LINE! YOU'RE KILING INNONCENT PEOPLE! AND FOR WHAT!? MONEY! YOU MAKE ME SICK! ALL OF YOU MAKE ME SICK FOR SUPPORTING HIM IN RUNNING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES, BURNING THEIR VILLAGES TO MAKE ROOM FOR HIS OIL LINES!"
Otto grabbed Angelina by the arm.
"Shut her up right now!" he exclaimed in a hushed voice.
Angelina stepped to Gwen and lightly backhanded her across the face, but it was hard enough to silence her. At that moment several men dressed in black suits came rushing into the ballroom; several of them surrounded Peter who was getting to his feet and the other surrounded Gwen.
Angelina signaled to the men and they roughly grabbed Peter and Gwen and led them out of the ballroom.
Natasha put a hand to her face and shook her head.
'Goddamn it Peter.' She thought to herself.
Otto looked to his stained white suit and back to the crowd; he put a smile on his face.
"Old girlfriend." He said before laughing. It took a moment but everyone else in the ballroom started laughing however no one knew whether it was because of fear or a wish to put that very awkward situation behind them.
"I know it may be in bad form to leave you all but I must change my clothes."
"Do you mind a little company?"
Otto turned to Natasha who had a sexy suggestive look upon her face. He perked up a little and a wide grin appeared on his chubby face.
"Not at all fräulein. Not at all."
She looped one of her arms within his and she gave a gasp as his four mechanical arms lifted the both of them up to the fourth floor and to the elevators.
Outside- Back of Hotel
Peter and Gwen were led to the outside street by the guards that had a hold of them. Angelina followed behind and once she was outside she walked in front of them. Gwen spit at her.
"I don't think that's a good idea." Peter whispered to her.
"I do seeing as how she is the one that murdered by friend!" Gwen snapped. She instantly recognized the tall woman before her as the one that shot her friend Kwasi in the head six months prior. Angelina narrowed her eyes at Gwen for a moment and she too was struck with a memory.
"You're that girl from the beach. They're rebels." She said.
"Rebels?" Peter questioned.
Angelina smiled as she stepped towards Gwen.
"You tipped your hand little girl. I'm going to enjoy getting information out of you and your friend about the other rebels."
"Uh, we're not actually together." Peter said, but it was then his danger sense went off.
Angelina came across with a backfist that he ducked under; Peter came up and smacked her in the chin with his head. Angelina jaw clicked together so hard a tooth went flying from her mouth.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICKI! Went the sound of the guards drawing their weapons and aiming them at Peter and Gwen. He looked to his left and right and saw that he was outgunned.
'Damn. I can take these guys with no problem but…the girl. If I make a move, she's dead.' he thought to himself.
Gwen looked at Peter and then at Angelina who was in obvious pain; seeing her like that allowed a small smile of satisfaction grace her lips.
'Who is this guy?' she thought.
Angelina spit out some blood and she looked to Peter.
"Good shot little man. You're stronger than you look. Heh. So am I."
Angelina lashed out with a powerful left hook that nearly took Peter's head off of his shoulders. He swayed back and forth until Angelina came with right hook and then a hard uppercut that lifted him up off of his feet and then down to the ground unconscious.
Upstairs- Top Floor Penthouse
Natasha eyed the two guards that were standing outside of Otto's room. The two of them tensed up as they saw her with him; Otto took notice as well.
"Relax gentlemen, relax. Ms….uh…mein gott I don't even know your name."
Natasha smiled.
"I'm in position." Came Hawkeye's voice over the line.
She seductively made her way around to his back gently touching the mechanical arms. Natasha eyed the back of his neck and she leaned in close to his ear.
"My name is…Black Widow." She said.
Otto's eyes widen however Natasha struck before either he or his arms could react. She elbowed him in the back of the neck and he collapsed to the ground in an instance. The guards drew their weapons.
CLANG! Came the sound of the vent above them bursting open and Hawkeye dropping down to the ground. He removed two knives from his waist and in two quick motions he disposed of both guards.
THUD! Came the sound of them hitting the ground.
Hawkeye nodded to Natasha before a confused look crossed his face.
"Where's the kid?" he asked.
Natasha put a hand to her face as she moved away from Otto and towards the elevator.
"He created a distraction a little bit too early and he got thrown out, try to contact him." She said over her shoulder as she made her way back to the elevator. She pried opened the metal panel and fiddled with the electronics.
Hawkeye put a hand to his ear.
"Kid? Kid where are you? We….." he started then stopped.
A look of horror crossed Hawkeye's face as Otto's four mechanical arms lifted upwards in the air; the four arms snapped their pincers dangerously and for a second it looked like they were talking to each other.
"Uh. Nat."
Natasha finished sabotaging the elevator when she heard her name. The red headed spy turned around to see two of Otto's four arms facing her and the other two looking at Hawkeye.
(Oh Sh**) she said in Russian just as the pincers snapped together once more and lunged.
BAAAAANNGG! Came the sound of the upper and right tentacle slamming into the metal elevator doors. The arms tried to skewer Natasha however she managed to lean out of the way at the last second.
She lifted her hands and fired a few bullets at the arms but they ricocheted off of the metal.
"WHAT THE SH**!" Hawkeye shouted as he dropped to the ground and out of the way of the mechanical arms that smashed through the double doors of the penthouse suite, "THIS WASN'T IN THE DOSSIER!" he yelled while quickly rolling to the right and out of the lower left arm that tried to grab him, instead the arm grabbed one of the dead guard. The two left tentacles took ahold of the guard and then easily ripped him apart.
Hawkeye got to his feet and took his bow of his back; he gave it a jerk and it extended into a full bow where he was able to string up an arrow. He let one loose.
The tentacles ducked and then threw the severed guard at him where it smacked into him sending him tumbling back and into the large suite.
Natasha barely managed to hug herself to the wall as one of the right arms tried come in low. She lifted her wrist again and the gauntlet rounds changed to electric stingers.
PFFT! PFFT! Went the sound of two stingers latching onto the arm.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZPPPPP!
The metal arm let out a screech as it felt the electricity; Natasha didn't have time to celebrate because the other arm grabbed her by the waist and threw her down the hallway. She hit the ground but turned it into a roll and then into a crouch.
"NAT LOOK OUT!"
Natasha turned her head to see the upper left arm getting ready to smack her in the head when an arrow smacked into the mechanical appendage and securing it to the wall with what looked like cement.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY THE OTHER ONE IS COMING!"
Natasha saw the lower left arm coming right for her and jumped over it and then dashed towards Hawkeye who let loose another cement arrow but the tentacle slithered out of the way and hit Natasha in the back sending her flying towards Hawkeye.
The two spies rolled along the ground with Hawkeye landing on top of her.
"Well this escalated quickly." He grumbled.
"Those things have a mind of their own….how is that possible?" Natasha questioned.
"Do I look like Bill Nye the science guy, hell if I know. Science really isn't my thing, it's Pete's and we could really use his…"
Natasha's eyes widen for moment before she grabbed hold of Hawkeye and jerked both of their bodies out of the way of a refrigerator slamming down in their previous spot leaving a large dent in the ground.
"We could really use his super-strength right about now."
The mechanical arm threw the refrigerator at them and the two spies barely had enough time to dive out of the way.
"WHERE THE HELL IS HE!?" Hawkeye yelled before putting his hand to his ear communicator again, "KID! KID! SPIDER-MAN….."
Elsewhere- On the road
"…WAKE UP!" Gwen shouted at the top of her lungs while she struggled with the zip tie that was tightly wrapped around her wrists. The blonde haired journalist shifted her weight a little and kneed the unconscious Peter Parker in the stomach hoping to wake him from his force slumber.
Peter felt the knee to the stomach and he started to slowly open his eyes and the first thing he felt was the stinging pain in his jaw.
"Ow. What happened?"
"That blonde hair b**** knocked you out!" Gwen exclaimed while still struggling.
Peter took a moment to think and that's when the blonde haired woman came to mind.
"That's right. Damn, she packs a wallop, and if she knocked me out that means she is not normal."
"Can you please put aside your wounded male ego and help me find a way out of here." Gwen returned.
"Wha…My ego isn't wounded, it's…." he started but was quickly interrupted.
KRZZZZZZZZZZZcame the loud garbled sound of static in his ear.
"AHHHHH!" he yelled at the loud sound in his ear.
Gwen scrunched her eyes up in confusion.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" she asked.
"I think my friends are in trouble."
"Well good luck helping them when you're dead." She replied, "After they torture us I'm pretty sure they're gonna kill us."
Peter tried to move but that's when he felt zip ties around his wrists and ankles.
"Where are we?" he asked.
Gwen stopped her struggling and she laid her head down on the spare tire that was next to her.
"We're in the trunk of a car being carted off to a remote area where no one can hear us scream."
Peter finally took notice that he was indeed in the trunk of a moving car. He rolled his eyes and he let out a long sigh.
"Great, just great."
End Chapter: Read and Review: Hey readers it's me Nomad88 back again with the closing comments. I know, a terrible cliffhanger but a much needed one unless you readers what to read a really really long chapter.
I hope everyone enjoyed the revamped and retooled Otto Octavious. This marks his official debut but not the last time he'll appear, not including the next chapter. LOL!
And let's not forget the official debut of Foreign Investigative Journalist Gwen Stacy. I bet none of you were expecting her right. Stay tuned to see how that turns out.
Sorry for the long wait but this time it was only a month and not a whole year. I told you readers that you wouldn't have to wait another whole year for another update. Anyway the next part of this chapter is on the way out, so stay tuned. In the meantime let me know what you thought of the chapter. And can any of you name the villain that I used in this chapter to knock Peter out. I'll give you a hint she and Otto have history together.
That's it for this time, leave a review or hit me up with a PM and I'll get back to you ASAP. This is Nomad88 saying later…
Ps: Always check the profile for updates.
Next Up: A Deal with an Octopus
Summary: Black Widow and Hawkeye deal with Doctor Octopus, meanwhile Peter and Gwen run into some rebels. And things escalate even more.


Dr. Pope's Writing World | My blog is a place to share the thoughts that consistenly tug at me throughout the day.
I am excited to share a little bit of the behind the scene work as a producer. I cannot wait for my conversation with Judicial Candidate, Robin Burgess, to air on Houston Media Source Television.
It finally happened. The first episode of my television show, "Conversations with Dr. Pope" finally aired on Houston Media Source Television. I filmed the footage at Worthing High School on August 18, 2018 during their Second Annual Southside Takeover Parade. I was lucky enough to work on creating and helping to organize the very first parade with Peoples United Summit.
I was also a former English teacher at Worthing High School. I put in so much time at Worthing High School those three years, I would shut the building down. Literally, I left when the janitors left. I got to know the community well because I attended games and everything else they had at the school. I was immersed. I was determined to have my students show improvement on the English II exam. They did! We had the highest growth rate out of all of the areas tested on STAAR that year. However, that was not enough to move the school from the Improvement Required list.
Worthing had been on the Improvement Required list for six consecutive years. TEA was threatening to shut them down and the HISD School District down due to low performance on STAAR. However, in August of 2018, Worthing students turned it around. They performed well enough to move from the IR list to Met Standards.
I wanted to celebrate their success and talk to the people who serve Worthing High School. I was so blessed to have 10 people share their time with me on that extremely hot day. Some of the people who stopped and had a conversation with me were local officials: Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Wanda Adams, HISD Board of Trustee, Judson Robinson II, President & CEO of Houston Area Urban League, and State Representative Shawn Thierry. Mr. Allen Provost, Treasurer of Peoples United Summit and administrator at Worthing and Bryan Tigner, Math Instructor and Kappa League Sponsor at Worthing also took time out from their duties to have a conversation with me. I honored to interview three of my former students too.
Making the transition from educator to community leader was awesome. Making the transition to television producer was scary. Yet it felt so natural. I am glad my first production was created at Worthing High School! I love the students and the staff. I felt at home. It was familiar. I could make mistakes and laugh at myself and my guests were nice to me. I was so busy, I forgot to get photos with my guests. Luckily David Janise took a picture of me interviewing State Representative Shawn Thierry. It is the only photo I have of me filming! My hair was not camera ready, but I did not let it stop me. I wore my hat my mother gave me and move forward with my plan. The parade would not wait for me and it only happens once a year. As a producer, I realized I had to seize the moment.
Filming took two hours, checking out equipment two hours (drive and planning), and editing took days. I worked on editing in my home office, at McDonald's, and other places. My video had too much light throughout the video. I had to work some magic during the editing process. Then, uploading all of the data took time. I had to add tags, titles, and purchase license for music. I made sure I had my guest sign media release consents. I worked so hard to make sure my work reflected me and made my guests look their best.
After all of the effort, I was able to have my first show air on Houston Media Source. It was great to see my show's name on the schedule. It was awesome to watch it on television. I was fantastic to read my program schedule. I am so glad I became a producer. Thanks to Houston Media Source, Mayor Sandra Massie Hines and Allen Provost my dreams are now a reality. I will continue to get better and grow!
After all of my hard work in August 2018, my showed premiered on September 11, 2018! The dream was real. I waited until the show aired two times before I uploaded it to YouTube. I swear it two days to upload it to YouTube. Here it is Link to watch it!
On Saturday, February 9th, I went to the Bank of America to open my first campaign bank account. All of my donations must be separate from my personal account. I made an appointment for Saturday at 9:30 am. Yet it took some time to be waited on by an agent.
Pearland residents aware of resources in Pearland.
I shared with her information about the Homeowners Assistant Program. They have millions of dollars to help Brazoria County residents. I learned about the program while attending the Governmental Relations Meeting. Her uncle, who lives in Brookside Village lost everything during Harvey. She got the information and said she would share it. We made the most of our time waiting. I felt good that I did what I wanted to do. I want to let Pearland residents know about the resources that are available to them. When I finished, I opened up my account. I enjoyed my moments at the Bank of America.
I am excited to announce I am going to Austin to speak with representatives on February 27 & 28 with Pearland Chamber of Commerce for Pearland Day in Austin. I will rock my scarf and bring my television show!
I was nervous to enter the unknown territory but God had a friendly face immediately greet me as I walked in the luncheon. Kevin Murphy, Vice President & General Counsel at Triad Retail Construction,Inc was fantastic. Although Kevin has an awesome job and serves on the Board of Directors of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce ( I did not that fact until I saw him sitting at the table with other Board Members), he is Darcy Bryan-Wilson' husband in my world.
I have known Kevin and his family for years. I supported him as he ran for State Representative for Brazoria County in 2008. I was serving as a Precinct Chair then. I am still a Brazoria County Precinct Chair today. His wife, Darcy Bryan-Wilson, is a community leader and power mom like myself. Kevin gave me directions and made Novella Bean and me feel at home and welcomed. Rochelle, Chamber Ambassador, also gave me a hug and saved us a seat at her table. I was so happy God had those two in the place.
I had the honor to speak with and attend the Governmental Relations Committee meeting with my state representative, State Representative Ed Thompson. He actually remembered me from the days when he sold me insurance. His agents always offer customers a can of coke when you come to his insurance office. Small things matter in business!
Today, he took a photo with me. More important, I learned he attends meetings and provides very detailed updates to the community he represents. He has been a member of Pearland School Board and Pearland City Council. He has a wealth of wisdom. I look forward to learning from him as I serve on the Governmental Relations Committee with the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.
Today, I attended my first Pearland Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Committee Meeting. I decided to serve on this committee because it provides me with tons of great information to share with other Pearland citizens. When I am elected to serve on the Pearland City Council, I will be able to bring a great deal of perspective from the business community to the council. More importantly, I will be able to share what I learn with the people who need to be aware of services various governmental agencies provide. If I do not get elected, I am still going to serve on this committee and share what I learn with the community.
My service and dedication to the committee are personal. I found out there are millions of dollars available to help people in Pearland to get their homes repaired through the Homeowners Assistance Program. I will share on a separate post. I am glad Jere Gnadar suggested this committee!
I went to the Pearland Chamber of Commerce to take the next step to reach my next level in business and service in Pearland. I believe strongly in networking. I created my Facebook group Boss Ladies Professional Network and Boss Ladies because I know the value of working with like-minded people.
As I move forward in my campaign to become a member of Pearland City Council, I am realizing, I am being stretched to plug into areas in Pearland that I have not utilized. I want to lead by example. I am pro small business. I believe more women should own businesses and have more say into how small business are supported in Pearland. I am taking the leap to take my business to its next level. I hope this move encourages others to do so. Gabrielle Serges Gafford and Darcy Bryan-Wilson, thank you for encouragement.


Play with Peppa is a cute and cuddly hand puppet book for young Peppa fans. Peppa is always full of energy, and no matter where she goes, she just can't keep still. Read the simple story and join in with Peppa as she claps, waves and sneezes her way through the day. The soft plush puppet fits both little and big hands, making this interactive hand puppet book perfect for sharing between parent and child. Based on the BAFTA award-winning pre-school animation, Peppa Pig, shown daily on Five's Milkshake and Nick Jnr. Look out for more Peppa adventures including: Peppa's First Glasses, George Catches A Cold and Happy Birthday Peppa!


As a student who recently completed the California Bar Exam, you are invited to attend the annual New Admittee Swearing In Ceremony, hosted by the Santa Clara County Bar Association and Santa Clara University School of Law. The event will take place Tuesday, December 4th at the Santa Clara University Mission Church.
The California State Bar will be distributing Examination Pass information; this invitation is not an indication of your pass status. To participate in the Swearing In Ceremony, please bring your paperwork from the State Bar, and be sworn in by the local judiciary.
For questions contact Ryker at (408) 975-2110 or rykerh@sccba.com. Please RSVP by November 30, 2018.
New admittees are welcome to bring guests to celebrate in their swearing in. Please indicate number of guests when making RSVP. There is no charge to attend.
Remember to bring your paperwork from the State Bar to event. If you do not have the State Bar registration card, please contact them at (415) 538-2000; membership department.


The OASDI taxable wage limit increases from $87,900 to $90,000. The tax rate remains 6.2% (with a matching employer contribution).
The federal income tax exemption increases from $3100 to $3200 (first change since July 1, 2003).
Other tax tables also change as of January 1, 2005.